Man charged with 1st Degree Murder in Big Lake woman's death

Update: On 1-3-18 at approximately 1:00 p.m., Anthony Smith was arraigned at the Palmer Courthouse. He continues to be held with bail set at $250K and a Court approved Third Party Custodian required. In addition to the Murder 1st Degree charged, after consultation with the Palmer District Attorney’s Office, an additional charge of Assault in the 4th Degree was added based on the investigation of events that prompted a prior AST response to the residence that morning. Troopers had responded to a disturbance at the Big Lake residence on 1/1/18 at 0218 hours.

In addition to the ongoing criminal investigation. AST is conducting a comprehensive review of our initial response to this residence.

Update: The deceased has been positively identified by the State Medical Examiner’s Office as Amy Smith, 37 of Wasilla. On 1/2/18 an autopsy was conducted on Amy Smith and the results of the autopsy indicated the cause of death was homicide. At approximately 4 p.m. on 1/2/2018, members of the “B” Detachment Criminal Suppression Unit arrested Anthony Smith, 38 of Wasilla, for Murder in the First Degree. Smith was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial facility where he will be held without bail. Investigation by Palmer GIU is ongoing. Amy Smith’s next of kin has been notified.

Original text: On 1/01/18 at 4:54 a.m., AST and Emergency Medical personal responded to a residence in the Big Lake area for CPR in progress on a 37 year old female. This case is currently being investigated by Palmer GIU.

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